Dischémie

Dischémie is a term used in medicine to describe an abnormal or impaired blood supply to a particular organ or tissue. This condition arises when the blood vessels supplying the area are narrowed, blocked, or otherwise compromised, leading to a reduced flow of oxygen and nutrients. The consequences of dischémie can vary widely depending on the affected organ and the severity of the blood flow restriction.

In many cases, dischémie is a symptom or a consequence of an underlying disease process. For example, atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in arteries, is a common cause of dischémie. Other potential causes include blood clots (thrombosis or embolism), inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis), or external compression of the vessels.

The clinical manifestations of dischémie are diverse. If dischémie affects the heart, it can lead to angina or a myocardial infarction (heart attack). Dischémie in the brain can cause a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a stroke. In the limbs, it may result in claudication, a type of pain experienced during physical activity. Prolonged or severe dischémie can lead to tissue damage and necrosis, or cell death. Diagnosis typically involves medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as angiography or Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow. Treatment strategies focus on addressing the underlying cause and restoring adequate blood supply to the affected area.